Tourism Fiji 

March 2010 Newsletter

• TOURISM FIJI NEWS
• EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

• RESORT & INDUSTRY UPDATE
• HOT DEALS

TOURISM FIJI NEWS

IN THE NEWS

Tourism Fiji and its travel partners will take to the road and visit Canada in April, 2010 as part of its efforts to train agents in selling Fiji. The national tourism board will be conducting training sessions in the eastern and western parts of Canada with the program as follows:.

April 6 - Toronto
April 7 - Edmonton
April 8 - Vancouver
April 9 - Media luncheon

For more information on the roadshow please contact Regional Marketing Officer Sera Cawanibuka on email: sera@tourismfijius.com.

TOURIST VAT REFUND ANNOUNCED

Tourists who make a purchase of $500 or more while in Fiji will now receive Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds upon their departure. The Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS) allows for refunds to be collected at the ANZ Nadi Airport Branch and at the Suva Wharf for visiting cruise liners. Conversion to foreign currency is an individual option, but the nominated currency must be on the ANZ Standard Currencies Listing.

To be eligible for a VAT refund a tourist must not be a Fiji citizen, holder of a Fiji passport, employed in Fiji the past six months, nor a member of cabin or flight crew and not under the age of 13.

To qualify a tourist must:

• Spend FJ$500 (VAT inclusive) or more in any of the registered VAT refund outlets on the same day
• Take the goods out of Fiji within two months from the date of purchase
• Present the goods for inspection along with the Refunds Form, original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at the Tourist VAT Refund Inspection Counter.

Information: news@info.gov.fj

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

WARWICK FIJI RESORT & SPA AND OHANA WAIKIKI MALIA HOTEL TEAM UP TO OFFER FIJI/HAWAII COMBINATION VACATION

Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa and Ohana Waikiki Malia hotel have teamed up to offer a Fiji/Hawaii vacation combination package with a seven or ten night option. The seven night package is $1,150 and includes:

• Roundtrip airfare LAX/NAN/LAX
• Roundtrip airport transfers in Fiji
• 3-nights Standard room at Ohana Waikiki Malia Hotel
• 4-nights mountain view room at the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa
• Buffet breakfast daily
• One free Sigatoka shopping trip
• One free buffet dinner at Bula Brasserie

• Roundtrip airfare LAX/NAN/LAX
• Roundtrip airport transfers in Fiji
• 5-nights Standard room at Ohana Waikiki Malia Hotel
• 5-nights mountain view room at the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa
• One free Sigatoka shopping trip
• One free buffet dinner at Bula Brasserie

MALOLO ISLAND FIJI AND LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT HAVE JOINED FORCES TO CREATE THE “PARADISE & HEAVEN” PACKAGE FOR COUPLES

Information: www.ahuraresorts.com

THE WESTIN DENARAU ISLAND RESORT & SPA UNVEILS FIJIAN CULTURAL SHOWS AND FIRE WALKING

Launched in late December 2009, the Coco Palms Cultural Show at the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa has proven to be popular with guests of all ages. Held every Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m., the show begins with an introduction to Fijian history and culture, and includes a kava ceremony welcoming guests. There is also an opportunity to taste kava and a fashion show highlighting how Fijian women and men dressed in the past topped-off with Fijian traditional dancing.

Guests are then treated to a Fijian Feast cooked using lovo, an underground earthen oven, accompanied by mouthwatering local dessert.

The spectacular fire walking show by the Beqa Island fire walkers, who are part of the only clan in Fiji that are able to walk on hot stones, compliment the evening when they begin their show at sunset.

Show days may change without prior notice.

Information: www.westin.com/denarauresort

MATAVA DESIGNS NEW PADI MANTA AWARENESS SPECIALTY COURSES

Matava—Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has announced the opening of a brand new PADI Manta Awareness Distinctive Specialty course. The PADI Manta Awareness Distinctive Specialty course includes a ½ day presentation designed to introduce guests and staff to the Manta species common in the seas & oceans. This course is not exclusively for divers, but is designed for dive enthusiasts and snorkelers.

The PADI Manta Awareness Distinctive Specialty course teaches travelers about the vital role of coral reefs in the marine environment. The course also familiarizes participants with the current state of the world’s coral reefs.

Courses are taught weekly by Mad Fish Dive Center’s on-site Marine Biologist and PADI Instructor, Kate Wawatai.

Information: www.matava.com

THE ROYALE LODGE’ OPENS IN LABASA WITH LOW RATES FOR TRAVELERS

The friendly North has opened an additional new property in Labasa called the Royale Lodge. Owner Rinesh Prasad, formerly an information technology professional, began with a small restaurant in the area and has expanded it into a hotel. Rates begin at $50.00 for a single room and $65 for a double per room per night. There are seven rooms at the Lodge, allowing for a private and secluded stay.

RESORT & INDUSTRY UPDATE

TOKORIKI ISLAND RESORT AWARDED TRAVELER’S CHOICE AWARD BY TRIP ADVISOR

Tokoriki Island Resort is one of the most Romantic Resorts in the South Pacific according to travelers who voice their opinions on Trip Advisor.

Awarded a 2010 Traveler’s Choice Award by Trip Advisor, Tokoriki Island Resort was voted as one of the “Top Ten Romantic Resorts in the South Pacific.” Winners are based on the millions of reviews about hotels on www.Tripadvisor.com and content from across the web. Now in its eighth year, the annual Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from real travelers.

“We’re delighted to have received an award like this from our guests,” said resort General Manager Mr. Andrew Travers. “We strive to ensure the guest experience here at Tokoriki Island Resort is a memorable one so it’s a pleasure to have been awarded something like this from the people who actually enjoy our resort.”

A boutique resort for couples, Tokoriki Island Resort is located 35 kilometers west of Nadi in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji.

Information: www.tokoriki.com

MATAVA WINS MAJOR AWARD AND LAUNCHES NEW BOAT

Matava has again been awarded the Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award 2009 in recognition of its policies on environmental sustainability.
Project AWARE Foundation Chairman Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking part in protection of global ecosystems. "The Environmental Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," states Richardson.

After reviewing Matava's application, Project AWARE determined that the dive operation met all requirements set forth for Project AWARE's Environmental Achievement Award and had shown exemplary efforts to conserve aquatic environments through education, advocacy and action.
In addition, Matava has just launched its latest dive boat called ‘Dive Me’. The new boat can accommodate 12 divers.

Information: www.matava.com.

YASAWA ISLAND RESORT CLOSED FOR REPAIR UNTIL OCTOBER 2010

Yasawa Island Resort has closed its doors and will reopen December 15, 2010 after an extensive renovation. Plans are underway for the rebuilding of the main complex. The resort will provide regular updates during the coming months to keep industry partners informed on the progress.

Information: www.yasawa.com

MANA ISLAND RESORT ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

Mana Island Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Yoshinori Muramatsu as the resort’s new executive chef. In this role he will oversee the culinary operation of the entire four-star resort.

Most recently, Chef Muramatsu was the executive chef of the Freshfields Resort & Conference Center in Taiwan, where he oversaw the culinary operations for the 155-room resort. Prior to his executive chef position in Taiwan, Chef Muramatsu was the executive chef at Grand Formosa International Hotels Corporation at Taipei from 2004-2005. In addition, he held a variety of culinary positions including unit chef at Chanto Restaurant Co. Ltd, Tokyo, Japan from 1997-2004 and sous chef at Reikyo Restaurant, Tokyo Japan, from 1993-1997. Chef Muramatsu’s menu is highlighted with trend-setting New Age Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on Chinese and modern European cooking.

Information: www.manafiji.com

TOKORIKI TO FOCUS ON NEW SUNSET POOL VILLA REBUILD

Tokoriki Island Resort is now halfway through the conversion of the new Sunset Pool Villas. The decision to adjust the design plans and focus on improving the original building structure has been the main cause for the delayed completion date.

“If we are doing something at Tokoriki, we do it well. Although the decision to focus on some unexpected structural issues has delayed our building team, the outcome will justify the wait,” says Tokoriki Island Resort Owner, Andrew Turnbull.

The new Sunset Pool Villas will be available for sale from May 1, 2010 increasing the number of Sunset Pool Villas from five to eight with the total number of rooms at Tokoriki Island Resort remaining unchanged. With the focus on the Sunset Pool Villa work, the Resort has chosen to delay construction on the new Spa, now due to start in November 2010. Instead, the existing Spa will receive a makeover.

“Our Guest’s experience at Tokoriki is extremely important to us and although the decision to delay our Spa was a tough one to make, it was ultimately based on ensuring that our Guest’s were not disturbed by building work throughout the high season,” noted Turnbull.

Renovations on the Teppanyaki Bar have been completed, with the internal fixtures and fittings to be unobtrusively completed in the next couple of months.

Tokoriki Island Resort is a boutique retreat for couples located 35 kilometers west of Nadi in the Mamanuca Group of Islands, Fiji.

Information: Marina Musumeci, marketing@tokoriki.com
www.tokoriki.com

MATANGI PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT FIJI ANNOUNCES NEW SALES & MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE IN NORTH AMERICA

Matangi Private Island Resort in Fiji has announced that as of February 1, 2010, Debora Roberts of Roberts Representation will serve as the new North American sales & marketing representative for the resort.

Having previously represented Matangi in the North American market for many years, Roberts is very knowledgeable about the property. Christene Douglas of Matangi says, “Debora’s great spirit, passion and enthusiasm for Matangi is undeniable. We are very excited to have her back on board.”

Recognized by ISLANDS Magazine as the “Best Private Island” in Fiji, Matangi is a unique island well endowed with all of nature’s beauty, and known as the ultimate destination for North American couples looking for the best Fijian private island getaway.

Information:debora@robertsrepresentation.com

OUTRIGGER ON THE LAGOON FIJI WELCOMES NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji has announced that Peter Hopgood will serve as the new General Manager of the resort. Hopgood previously served as the General Manager of Hamilton Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef Australia.

Prior to Hopgood’s appointment, Darren Shaw served as the Outrigger’s general manager for three years, and will now move on to a new position in Phuket as General Manager of the Outrigger Laguna Phuket. Says Shaw, “I am delighted to be handing over the resort to Peter Hopgood. Peter’s experience and reputation is highly regarded and I can assure you that Peter will continue to grow and develop the resort.”

Information: www.outrigger.com  and Debora Roberts -Roberts Representations
Email: joan@marsomarketing.com

ISLAND HOPPERS ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

James Montgomery of the US has taken over Island Hoppers in Nadi and John Ambler has been named new general manager. One of Fiji's first helicopter services, the company offers flights from Nadi International Airport and Denarau Island to the Mamanuca Islands. Island Hoppers also flies to the Mamanuca Islands from the Outrigger Reef and Shangri La Fijian Resort on the Coral Coast. Travelers can arrange for helicopter transfers to the Plantation Island Resort, Musket Cove, Wadigi, Castaway Island, Treasure Island, Tokoriki, Vomo and Mana Island. The flight times range between 10-15 minutes.

Island Hoppers also offers scenic helicopter trips to the fantastic highland area surrounding Nadi and spectacular tours of the Mamanuca Islands.

Information: http://www.fijiairlines.com/island-hoppers-fiji.cfm

GOLDEN POINT RESORT & BACKPACKERS AT NACILAU POINT IN RAKIRAKI ASSUMES NEW OWNERSHIP

Golden Point Resort & Backpackers at Nacilau Point in Rakiraki remains in business, though it has assumed new ownership. The lodging area is now owned and operated by Euro Pacific’s Sunil Mishra. Dorm beds are available for F$25 per person per night, as well as single and double rooms from F$65 to F$95 per room per night, including continental breakfast.

Information: europacificlimited@gmail.com

HOT DEALS

TRAVELSCENE OFFERS SOUTH PACIFIC SALE WITH BARGAIN PRICES ON ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE TO FIJI

Last spring may have been a good time to visit Europe, but 2010 is the best year to visit Fiji on Air Pacific, Fiji’s international airline. Travelscene, one of Air Pacific’s preferred travel partners is now offering a South Pacific Sale - attractively-priced airfare for as little as $380 each way when you book three nights accommodation in Fiji.

Information: Click Here

NAVUTU STARS RESORT—YASAWA ISLAND OFFERS NEW PROMOTIONS FOR 2010

Navutu Stars Resort—Yasawa Island has unveiled unbeatable new promotions for the New Year, including:

• Guests who stay 3 nights or more at the resort will enjoy a complementary freshly caught lobster lunch
• Guests who stay five nights or more at the resort will only be charged for four nights
• Guests who stay ten nights at the resort will only pay for eight nights

Navutu Stars Resort—Yasawa Island offers barefoot luxury in a hush-hush tropical paradise, with pristine white beaches, dramatic monoliths, crystal clear lagoons and rich marine life. Relax in one of their nine chic bures beachfront or garden with sound ecological values.

Information: www.navutustarsfiji.com

MATANGI PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT EXTENDS PAY 5/STAY 7 SPECIAL

To coincide with Air Pacific’s reduced airfares to Fiji, Matangi Private Island Resort is offering an added incentive for bookings made by March 31, 2010 by extending the popular stay seven pay five special offer in all bure categories. Guests who book by March 31, 2010 for travel through March 31, 2011 will receive two complimentary nights at the resort when they pay for a five-nights stay. To take advantage of this deal, a minimum of seven-nights stay is required. The offer can be doubled to become ‘Stay 14/Pay 10.’

Information: www.matangiisland.com

AVIS RENT A CAR OFFERS THREE DAY RENTAL SPECIAL FOR VISITORS TO FIJI

Avis Rent-a-Car is currently offering a three-day rental special for visitors to Fiji through March 31, 2010. Travelers who book in advance for rental cars in Nadi and Denarau can take advantage of Avis’ three-day rental car special starting from $75 a day. Guests who rent in Denarau can take advantage of free delivery and collection from any Denarau location.

Information: www.avis.com.fj

SHERATON FIJI RESORT SERVES UP CULINARY DELIGHTS AT FEAST RESTAURANT

Take a culinary journey across the globe and savor the Sheraton’s vibrant buffet restaurant Feast and receive 50% off a companion’s meal when purchasing one full price buffet dinner every Sunday through to Thursday. Offer is valid until April 30, 2010.

Guests can also tantalize their taste buds with Feast’s Pacific Seafood Buffet and receive a complimentary bottle of DeBortoli Wine for when they pay full price. Valid until April 30, 2010.

Information: www.westin.com/denarauresort

PARADISE TAVEUNI UNVEILS ‘HOT IN ’10’ SPECIAL OFFER

Now through March, 2011 Paradise Taveuni is offering an all-inclusive ‘Hot in ‘10’ Special offer whereby guests who stay for ten nights at the resort receive one night of accommodations free of charge, with a free upgrade to an oceanfront bure with Jacuzzi. Additionally, with this offer they will receive:

• Complimentary tropical fruit platter on arrival
• A Paradise massage
• Vuna Reef snorkeling experience with divers
• A mountain trek guided hike
• Complimentary romantic dinner for two on any night and location of choice

Information: info@paradiseinfiji.com